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Bass Coast Mayor Rochelle Halstead recognised as Mary Rogers Award finalist for leadership, resilience, and mentoring women

Bass Coast Mayor Rochelle Halstead has been named a finalist for the 2025 Mary Rogers Award, recognising her leadership, resilience, community service, and mentoring of emerging female leaders in local government.

By news@gippsland - 4th December 2025 - Back to News

Bass Coast Shire Council is proud to announce that Mayor Cr Rochelle Halstead has been recognised as a finalist for the prestigious Mary Rogers Award, acknowledging her exceptional leadership, resilience and long-standing commitment to community service. The Mary Rogers Award honours women in local government who embody the spirit of Mary Rogers - a pioneering figure in Victorian civic leadership - by championing equality, strengthening community wellbeing, and mentoring emerging female leaders.

Bass Coast Mayor Rochelle Halstead has been named a Mary Rogers Award finalist, recognising her leadership, resilience, community service, and support for emerging female leaders in local government

Civic leadership award

Council extends its warmest congratulations to Kylie Spears from Maroondah City Council, who has been awarded the 2025 Mary Rogers Award for her outstanding contributions as a civic leader. Her dedication to equality, community wellbeing and sustainability, along with her commitment to supporting emerging women leaders, reflects the true legacy of Mary Rogers.

Mayor Halstead’s selection as a finalist recognises her significant achievements and leadership within Bass Coast and beyond. Over recent years she has championed major community initiatives, including leading the development of a comprehensive BMX, Pump Track and Mountain Bike Strategy adopted by Council in August 2024 and passionately advocating for the creation of the Berninneit Cultural Centre — now a thriving hub for arts, learning and community life

These initiatives continue to deliver strong community outcomes. Berninneit has become a vibrant cultural destination offering high-quality arts programming, an accessible library, gallery and cinema, while new riding facilities will draw bike enthusiasts from across Victoria and support healthier, more inclusive recreation opportunities for all ages.

Halstead leadership recognition

Cr Halstead’s recognition also reflects her courage and resilience. Having faced profound personal loss and her own breast cancer diagnosis, she rebuilt her life in Bass Coast, was elected to Council in 2020, served two terms as Deputy Mayor, and now leads Council with compassion, integrity and strength. She is an active advocate for cancer awareness, a mentor to local women and a strong supporter of small business, drawing on her lived experience as a local business owner.

Her colleagues have highlighted her inclusive leadership style, strong governance approach and ability to bring councillors, community groups and staff together around shared goals - qualities that have shaped Council’s strong performance and collaborative culture

Mayor Halstead said she was honoured to be recognised among such inspiring leaders. "Being named a finalist for the Mary Rogers Award is incredibly humbling. This recognition belongs to the whole Bass Coast community - it’s a reflection of the passion, resilience and generosity I see every day. I also congratulate Kylie Spears on this well-deserved achievement and thank her for her leadership and service to Victoria’s communities."

Pictures from Bass Coast Shire Council website.

Source: www.gippsland.com

Published by: news@gippsland.com

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  East Gippsland Council honoured staff contributions with the annual Living Our Values Awards, recognising individuals and teams demonstrating respect, collaboration, Integrity, Accountability, and excellence across council services and communities.
• Dr Patrick Kinsella’s decades-long contributions to healthcare, sport, media, and community celebrated at 2026 Australia Day Awards
  Dr Patrick Kinsella, East Gippsland Australia Day Ambassador, has impacted healthcare, education, sport, media, and community life for over 40 years; residents are invited to celebrate at 21 January awards.
• East Gippsland Business Support Voucher Program boosts small businesses through tailored mentoring and strategic growth guidance
  Orbost Snowy River Cycling benefited from East Gippsland Council Business Support Voucher Program, receiving tailored mentoring that strengthened business planning, resilience, and growth, enabling expansion and long-term success in the region.
• Skeene Creek Farm launches, driving sustainable agriculture, innovation, and resilience across East Gippsland region
  Skeene Creek Farm launches near Bairnsdale, transforming underutilised land into a sustainable agriculture hub, promoting circular economy, innovation, environmental resilience, and practical research for East Gippsland farmers.
• Gippsland Water welcomes five local women into STEM internships, promoting diversity, innovation, and career pathways for students
  Gippsland Water welcomed five local women into STEM internships, providing real-world experience, mentoring, and career pathways while promoting diversity, inclusion, and innovation across multiple departments this summer.
• Danny O’Brien thanks volunteers and communities for celebrating Australia Day across South Gippsland with the awards and ceremonies
  Danny O’Brien thanked volunteers, councils, and community groups for Australia Day events, celebrating new citizens, recognising local award recipients, and highlighting Gippsland South’s community spirit and contributions.
• Baw Baw Shire Council returns 37 cultural artefacts to Lardil people in historic Mornington Island repatriation
  Baw Baw Shire Mayor Danny Goss led a historic journey to Mornington Island, repatriating 37 cultural artefacts to the Lardil People, marking a significant step toward reconciliation and cultural heritage restoration.
• Berninneit Art Gallery unveils 'Kelp and the Sentient Sea' by Kim McDonald and Jasmine Susic 13 September to 26 October 2025
  Berninneit Art Gallery presents Kelp and the Sentient Sea, a collaborative exhibition by Kim McDonald and Jasmine Susic, exploring Bass Coast's marine life through printmaking, dance, film, and installation from 13 September.
• One Gippsland urges stronger climate action and investment to build regional disaster resilience
  One Gippsland is calling for urgent government action, investment and policy reform to strengthen disaster resilience, improve planning, and protect coastal communities facing increasing climate-related risks and rising economic costs.
• Kay Abude appointed lead artist for Women's Public Art Program in Wonthaggi honouring Miners’ Women’s Auxiliary
  Contemporary artist Kay Abude has been appointed to create a major Wonthaggi public artwork honouring the Miners’ Women’s Auxiliary, with community workshops and Victorian government support celebrating local history.
• East Gippsland Council advances regional projects, improving facilities, accessibility, resilience and growth
  East Gippsland Council is delivering major regional projects, upgrades, improving accessibility, supporting resilience, and enhancing infrastructure across towns including Bairnsdale, Buchan, Mallacoota, Cann River, and Paynesville.
• Tracey Ah Sam named East Gippsland 2026 Citizen of the Year for exceptional service to Omeo community
  Tracey Ah Sam has been named East Gippsland’s 2026 Citizen of the Year for over 30 years’ dedicated service, leadership, and lasting impact on the Omeo community.
• East Gippsland Council advances regional projects, boosting infrastructure, accessibility, recreation, resilience and growth
  East Gippsland Council progresses major projects, enhancing community facilities, infrastructure, accessibility, resilience, and recreational opportunities across Bairnsdale, Buchan, Mallacoota, Cann River, Paynesville, and surrounding areas.
• Melina Bath honours Wonthaggi Rotary Club for 32 years recognising volunteers and strengthening Eastern Victoria
  Melina Bath recognised Wonthaggi Rotary Club in parliament for 32 years celebrating local volunteers, presenting over 250 awards, and strengthening Eastern Victoria communities through service and dedication.
• Latrobe Health Assembly wins 2025 Australasia Organisation of the Year for excellence in community engagement
  Latrobe Health Assembly has won the 2025 Australasia Organisation of the Year Award for Excellence in Community Engagement, recognising its innovative, community-driven approach to improving health and wellbeing across the Latrobe Valley.
• Relax and float on calm waters at Mouth of Powlett River, a serene family-friendly beach escape
  Climb Mt Oberon in Wilsons Promontory for breathtaking 360-degree views of beaches, cliffs, islands, and Bass Strait, exploring nearby walks, wildlife, waterfalls, and scenic coastal treasures.